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Discussion

Too disabled to do nursing?

I am an RN with my BSN. I was attacked and stabbed 17 times by a resident of. LTC facility where I was working. I have many resulting injuries. Problems with my gait and ambulation. I have a slur in my speech due to stab wounds that injured facial and hypoglossal nerves. Have problems with use of my hands. The worst injury resulting in Brown-Sequard Syndrome at level of C6. I was found to be totally and permanently disabled by workers comp. I'm currently filling out social security disability application. My problem is, I want to continue working as a nurse. My question is, what kind of nursing am I able to do? Also, would I be hireable since I can't run down the hall to save someone? Another question is, would I benefit getting my MSN? If so, in what area of study? I would appreciatne any advice. All I've heard is that I am not able to do nursing any longer. I refuse to believe that. Please help.

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    That is just horrific. What happened to the resident?

    I would think maybe you could do case management? MDS Coordinator? Something like that. I will try to think of some more stuff. Would you be able to draw blood or anything like that?

    How about telephone triage? Or does the slur make your speech too unclear?

    I am so so sorry this happened to you.

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    I'm so sorry that happened to you! I don't understand why anyone would say you can't continue as a nurse if you want to. There is MDS coordinator as CrunchRN mentioned, Quality Assurance, possibly Telephone Triage, Legal Nurse Consulting, and quite a few others. The links below are to forums here on allnurses where you can read about what each job is like from nurses actually out doing the job where you will get an honest appraisal,, and ask specific questions tailored to your physical limitations.

    Case Management https://allnurses.com/case-management-nursing/

    Occupational Health https://allnurses.com/occupational-health-nursing/

    Public/Community Health https://allnurses.com/public-community-health/

    Quality Improvement https://allnurses.com/quality-improvement/

    Nursing Informatics https://allnurses.com/nursing-informatics/

    Legal Nursing https://allnurses.com/legal-nursing/

    Entrepreneurs in Nursing https://allnurses.com/entrepreneurs-in-nursing/

    There is also research nursing, staff development, nursing management, and nursing faculty. I don't want to overwhelm you (because I had no idea there were this many alternatives!) but there is a section for Advance Practice (MSN+), too.

    There are some areas you may be able to do bedside care. If your speech is slurred but understandable-Infusion or chemotherapy nurse, Wound Care specialist, patient education (ie diabetes or dialysis educator) or perhaps if you felt comfortable with it you could bring your experience into your job by counseling survivors of violent crime. I understand that is a deeply personal issue, though.

    I hope you dismiss the nay-sayers from your thought process. Clearly there are people who aren't running up and down the hall, but still able to contribute. I'm sure you're familiar with the guidelines of the ADA, and I don't think that the mention of ADA must mean "lawyered up" -- they are an informational resource as well. I hope you are able to turn this horrific trauma into something positive. You're pretty much a hero in my mind - :up::)

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    Wow. I am so sorry that happened!! that is horrible, what happened to the resident?? Why would he/she do such a thing??

    Anyway, you don't want to do anything that is going to be stressing you out or pushing you over the edge. Going for your masters would give you the chance to teach, an amazing way to give back!! Have you thought of school nursing?? or possibly homecare? (Not sure the total extent of your injuries, but these don't require you to be running down the halls like you said). The county may offer some really interesting things...

    best of luck. And again, i am so sorry this had to happen to you. But i applaued you for coming back to nursing and not giving up!

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    Other posters have supplied you with some good recommendations regarding nursing opportunities. I just wanted to add a suggestion that you contact your state's Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation/Rehabilitation Services Commission. In my experience, the people there are excellent advocates who can help you obtain assistive devices/software so that you can do a given job properly. They also help you obtain employment by offering tax cut incentives to employers and assist in the creation of an appropriately modified workspace for you. BVR employees really know the laws relating to disabled workers and they're wonderful people to have on your side in this sort of situation.

    I commend you for wanting to keep working despite your injuries. I feel the same way about my disabilities, though it sounds like you're dealing gracefully with a much tougher situation than any I've had to face. I wish you the very best of luck. :)

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    my condolences on the result of your experience, and admiration on the direction you are allowing it to take you.

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    Many managed care companies hire for precert, concurrent review, disease management. There is also workers comp.

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    God Bless you for your determination...Any employer would be incredibly blessed to have you as a staff member. I am sure you will find you place in the nursing world and will gain so much fullfillment in doing whatever it is your heart leads you to do. I will pray for you and wish you continued healing and happiness.:heartbeat

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    Nursing documentation specialists can work from home and make money on a chart per chart basis. Maybe you could look into that.

    I am sorry for your troubles.

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    You could always try helping at the front desk at a doctor's office or tutoring future nursing students.

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